San Diegans Dismayed over Rep. Peters' Vote Against Syrian Refugees

San Diego - Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill that unfairly targets Syrian and Iraqi refugees fleeing violence by increasing the roadblocks they must overcome before seeking refuge in the United States. H.R. 4038, the so-called "American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act.

Despite the repeated calls by refugees, faith leaders and community groups to oppose this shameful legislation, Representative Scott Peters voted in favor of H.R. 4038. If this legislation passes the Senate and becomes law, it would halt refugee resettlement for families fleeing Syria and Iraq, including individuals who served alongside U.S. troops.

In response, the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC) will be returning a proclamation issued by Rep. Peters last week to honor the SDIRC for its work in support of immigrant communities in San Diego.

"San Diego has a proud tradition of welcoming refugee families with open arms, which strengthens the fabric of our region and upholds our values of providing refuge for those in need. Rep. Peters ominous vote runs contrary to our most basic values of compassion and solidarity. Mr. Peters should follow the example of France, our nation's oldest ally. Only five days after the terrorist attacks in Paris, French President Francois Hollande has stated that France will honor its commitment to admit 30,000 refugees from war-torn Syria.

Instead Congressman Peters voted to keep Syrian and Iraqi families in harm's way by adding an unnecessary and cumbersome layer of bureaucracy to the screening process. Mr. Peters' vote will jeopardize the lives of thousands of innocent men, women and children who are in urgent need to escape a country rife with instability and susceptible to devastating acts of violence.

In response to this regrettable vote, we return the recognition his office granted to the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium over the weekend, since his actions foment harm and misunderstanding of immigrant and refugee communities. Whether because of political posturing or because Mr. Peters indeed believes this course of action to be in line with his moral standard, it is intolerable for him or any our elected officials to take such an offensive stance against people seeking refuge. We urge Congressman Peters to rescind his vote and stand on the right side of history."